Social Work Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Social work visa sponsorship exists but is limited. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) have the strongest case for H-1B visa sponsorship, especially in underserved areas where employers struggle to hire domestically. Hospitals, community health centers, and government agencies occasionally sponsor. You'll need a master's in social work (MSW) and relevant licensure. J-1 visa waivers for underserved areas can also create sponsorship opportunities. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsWe are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities.
Job Description Summary:
This specific position will work within OhioHealth Well-Being Center and will report to the Manager, Well-Being Operations. Independently licensed Master-level mental health clinicians eligible to apply.
The Lead Social Worker will be responsible for supervising select social service functions and overseeing administrative responsibilities for scheduling staff, daily assigning of cases and assisting the manager with direct supervision of the Social Service staff. Additionally, the Lead Social Worker will maintain competencies associated /assigned in Social Worker II role and may take caseloads as assigned by manager. The Lead Social Worker may also serve as mentor, advisor, educator to other Social Workers at their campus. Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient served, as well as demonstrate an aptitude for management level work. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development as it relates to the different life cycles. Specific age groups that are served by this position are circled.
SCOPE OF POSITION: This position reports to the Manager of UM and Care Coordination. This position serves as a resource for other associates. May communicate instructions, do minor scheduling, and inspect work. Does not hire, fire, discipline, promote, demote, transfer, or appraise, but may be consulted by higher management in these areas. May participate as co-planner in other social work performance reviews as assigned by manager.
Responsibilities And Duties:
-
Maintain caseload of assigned patients and oversee the discharge planning coordination of those patients (65%)
-
Act as resource to peers with difficult discharge situations, communicate instructions to staff and inspect work. Assists with chart audits and reviews as assigned (15%)
-
Oversee daily workload and balance assignments for each social worker, covers for the manager in their absence (5%)
-
Maintain the schedule for the Social Service department excluding approval of time off (5%)
-
Supervise orientees, students, LISW candidates (5%)
-
Assist Manager of UM and Care Coordination with campus services that facilitate the efficient delivery of healthcare to patients across the continuum of care beginning at admission and proceeding through discharge, including developing orientation materials/plans, providing education when needed, acting as a liaison to other departments regarding patient throughput and discharge planning, monitoring and initiating process improvement activities to meet goal deployment initiatives (10%)
As a High Reliability Organization (HRO), responsibilities require focus on safety, quality and efficiency in performing job duties.
The job profile provides an overview of responsibilities and duties and is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is subject to change at any time.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's Degree (Required)
LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker - Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
Additional Job Description:
Social Work and LISW Knowledge of LISW candidacy and licensing requirements; strong knowledge of campus overall operations and demonstrated strong knowledge of case management and Social Work in care coordination role at OhioHealth. Minimum of three years of medical Social Work Experience within OhioHealth setting. Possess excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills in interactions with patients, families and health care team colleagues. Strong analytical and PC skills. Ability to work independently as well as to develop collaborative relationships with physicians, families, patients, interdisciplinary team and other community agencies. Ability to analyze, develop and manage change, to integrate CQI principles for service and organization work improvements. Must demonstrate patience and tact when dealing with patients, families and other staff. Performs duties in a manner to promote quality patient care and customer service/satisfaction, while promoting safety, cost efficiency, and a commitment to the CQI process.
Work Shift:
Day
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
Well-Being Center
Join us!
... if your passion is to work in a caring environment
... if you believe that learning is a life-long process
... if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry
Equal Employment Opportunity
OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all persons in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities.
Job Description Summary:
This specific position will work within OhioHealth Well-Being Center and will report to the Manager, Well-Being Operations. Independently licensed Master-level mental health clinicians eligible to apply.
The Lead Social Worker will be responsible for supervising select social service functions and overseeing administrative responsibilities for scheduling staff, daily assigning of cases and assisting the manager with direct supervision of the Social Service staff. Additionally, the Lead Social Worker will maintain competencies associated /assigned in Social Worker II role and may take caseloads as assigned by manager. The Lead Social Worker may also serve as mentor, advisor, educator to other Social Workers at their campus. Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient served, as well as demonstrate an aptitude for management level work. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development as it relates to the different life cycles. Specific age groups that are served by this position are circled.
SCOPE OF POSITION: This position reports to the Manager of UM and Care Coordination. This position serves as a resource for other associates. May communicate instructions, do minor scheduling, and inspect work. Does not hire, fire, discipline, promote, demote, transfer, or appraise, but may be consulted by higher management in these areas. May participate as co-planner in other social work performance reviews as assigned by manager.
Responsibilities And Duties:
-
Maintain caseload of assigned patients and oversee the discharge planning coordination of those patients (65%)
-
Act as resource to peers with difficult discharge situations, communicate instructions to staff and inspect work. Assists with chart audits and reviews as assigned (15%)
-
Oversee daily workload and balance assignments for each social worker, covers for the manager in their absence (5%)
-
Maintain the schedule for the Social Service department excluding approval of time off (5%)
-
Supervise orientees, students, LISW candidates (5%)
-
Assist Manager of UM and Care Coordination with campus services that facilitate the efficient delivery of healthcare to patients across the continuum of care beginning at admission and proceeding through discharge, including developing orientation materials/plans, providing education when needed, acting as a liaison to other departments regarding patient throughput and discharge planning, monitoring and initiating process improvement activities to meet goal deployment initiatives (10%)
As a High Reliability Organization (HRO), responsibilities require focus on safety, quality and efficiency in performing job duties.
The job profile provides an overview of responsibilities and duties and is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is subject to change at any time.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's Degree (Required)
LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker - Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
Additional Job Description:
Social Work and LISW Knowledge of LISW candidacy and licensing requirements; strong knowledge of campus overall operations and demonstrated strong knowledge of case management and Social Work in care coordination role at OhioHealth. Minimum of three years of medical Social Work Experience within OhioHealth setting. Possess excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills in interactions with patients, families and health care team colleagues. Strong analytical and PC skills. Ability to work independently as well as to develop collaborative relationships with physicians, families, patients, interdisciplinary team and other community agencies. Ability to analyze, develop and manage change, to integrate CQI principles for service and organization work improvements. Must demonstrate patience and tact when dealing with patients, families and other staff. Performs duties in a manner to promote quality patient care and customer service/satisfaction, while promoting safety, cost efficiency, and a commitment to the CQI process.
Work Shift:
Day
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
Well-Being Center
Join us!
... if your passion is to work in a caring environment
... if you believe that learning is a life-long process
... if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry
Equal Employment Opportunity
OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all persons in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
See all 227+ Social Work Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Social Work Jobs
Pursue licensure as early as possible to maximize your competitiveness
Obtaining your Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential demonstrates that you meet U.S. professional standards and significantly strengthens your H-1B petition. Begin the ASWB examination process and state licensing application during your MSW program or OPT period so you are fully credentialed when seeking sponsorship.
Target healthcare systems and hospitals with social work departments
Large hospital systems like Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare, and academic medical centers employ clinical social workers for discharge planning, behavioral health, and patient advocacy. Healthcare employers frequently sponsor because clinical social work requires an MSW and licensure, making the specialty occupation argument straightforward.
Consider school social work positions in underserved districts
School districts facing social worker shortages, particularly in rural and low-income areas, may sponsor H-1B visas and some qualify for cap exemptions if affiliated with nonprofit educational institutions. School social work typically requires state-specific school social work certification in addition to your LMSW or LCSW.
Look into community mental health centers in shortage areas
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community mental health centers in Health Professional Shortage Areas actively recruit social workers and often have experience with visa sponsorship. These nonprofit organizations may also be H-1B cap-exempt, allowing filing at any time without lottery constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do employers sponsor visas for social workers in the U.S.?
Yes, social work is a strong candidate for H-1B visa sponsorship because it is a licensed profession that requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) and often a master's degree (MSW) for clinical roles. Hospitals, community mental health centers, school districts, and government agencies all sponsor social workers, particularly in areas facing workforce shortages. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are especially in demand.
What licenses do international social workers need to practice in the U.S.?
Licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require at least a master's degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program for clinical practice. You will typically need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination at the appropriate level - bachelor's, master's, or clinical. Some states accept international social work degrees if they are evaluated as equivalent by a credential evaluation agency like WES or ECE.
Are social work roles in shortage areas easier to sponsor?
Yes, many rural areas and underserved communities across the U.S. face significant social worker shortages, which can make employers in these regions more willing to sponsor and more successful in their petitions. Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) designated by HRSA often have employers actively recruiting internationally. Working in a shortage area may also provide advantages for certain green card pathways.
Can I use OPT to work as a social worker after graduating from a U.S. MSW program?
Yes, MSW graduates can use 12 months of post-completion OPT to work in social work roles while pursuing licensure and building experience. Social work is not a STEM-designated field, so the 24-month STEM OPT extension is not available. This makes it critical to identify employers willing to sponsor an H-1B petition early in your OPT period.
How to find Social Work jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Social Work jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on healthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and community service providers that commonly sponsor H-1B, EB-3, or other work visas for licensed social workers, particularly those with specialized skills in clinical practice, child welfare, or mental health services.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Social Work jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a social work in New York will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.